The Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic has been sent home from the World Cup after refusing to go on as a substitute against Nigeria.

Zlatko Dalic confirmed in a statement on Monday that the forward would be leaving the squad. The Croatia manager said Kalinic had claimed he was not fit to play when told to go on in Saturday’s Group D match, which Croatia won 2-0.

“During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half,” Dalic said. “However, he then stated he wasn’t ready to come on due to a back issue. The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday. I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.”

The Croatian Football Association said Dalic had consulted his coaching staff.

Confirmation came several hours after reports of Kalinic’s dismissal circulated in the Croatian press. After the match Dalic had referred to there being a “problem” in the camp but had refused to elaborate. He also refused to answer direct questions about Kalinic.

Kalinic has played 41 times for Croatia, scoring 15 goals, but he last started for the national side in 2017. Dalic has opted to play Juventus’s Mario Mandzukic as his main striker at the World Cup, with Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric in support.

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The incident caps a disappointing year for Kalinic. The 30-year-old had an underwhelming season on loan at Milan, scoring six goals in 31 appearances.

Reports have suggested the former Blackburn Rovers player may be sold by his parent club Fiorentina, with several Turkish clubs interested.